In the marketing world, many people use the words ‘brand’ and ‘identity’ interchangeably. Even the best of the best in marketing do this on occasion, but is there actually a difference? Yes.

This blog will be the first in a series of blogs titled, “Taking the Next Step.” If you’re not having success in your marketing, follow us for ideas on how to proceed…

First, let’s discuss your brand. Is there anyone sitting around you right now that is familiar with your brand? If so, ask them (seriously – ask them right now) what words and/or emotions come to mind when they think of your brand? Take notes and really listen without interrupting (even if you disagree). This is your brand. Now, ask yourself, what stories come to my mind when you think about your brand? What about memories? This is your brand. Think about the relationships you have because of your business. This, too, is your brand.

A brand is the specific perception created in the minds of customers about a company’s products and/or services. It is how customers connect and relate to your company. When a marketeer asks about your brand, they want to know what it says about you. Many people understand this concept, but don’t get how their brand relates to the rest of their marketing…

A brand is like the brain. A brand is the driving force behind the marketing in a company, just like the

This is an awesome image we found about the brain and branding on another marketing site from cogent.

brain is the driving force behind many functions in our bodies. A company’s identity is like one of those functions. A company’s identity consists of all the visual devices that are used to communicate, symbolize, portray, and even reinforce a company’s brand. Think about your stationary, business cards, Website, key words, mission statement, colors, and even fonts. These are your company’s identity.

So the bottomline is that you brand is your company’s overall personality, while your company identity is all about the visuals that represent your personality.

How does this help you with a next step? Many customers call us and tell us they need to “rebrand,” but what they really need is help with their identity – collateral materials, Website, positioning. Others call us and tell us they need a new logo. Yet, when we ask them about their brand, it is all over the map and there is no consistent message. They need to start with a branding strategy. Hopefully this blog will help you determine what it is that your company really needs to move forward with a successful marketing plan.

Check back next Tuesday for the second blog in this series…What Comes First the Logo or the Company?

In last week’s blog we talked about recognizing when is the right time to rebrand. Once you have identified that it’s a good time for your business to make this transition, now it’s time to start thinking about how you will accomplish this. What will your rebranding process look like?

There is a lot involved in the branding process and having someone who is knowledgable lead you through that process can be a big help. If you are unfamiliar with branding, check out one of our older blogs on branding to get a bit more information. Although this article will give you some basic information, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions.

In today’s blog, we want to address what makes a good business logo. This could vary slightly based on your industry, but overall the standards for a good logo are the same across the board. Check out these five standards for good logo design:

Own your brand. Make sure to differentiate your logo so it says something about your business and how you are different than the others.

Have a purpose and meaning behind every design choice in your logo. Choose colors, fonts, and shapes because they evoke a specific feeling or emotion in your target audience. Avoid using design elements just because they are more attractive to you. This can be a tough one so make sure to gather the opinions of those who have a stake in the end result.

Be simple enough to be memorable. Be timeless enough that your design keeps up with trends but not so trendy that your design will get lost in six months.

Be versatile and appropriate for your audience. You want to be attractive to new customers and stay attractive to old ones.

Avoid all the “extras.” Stay away from distracting elements such as taglines or “inc” or “LLC” in your logo. All of these things are important but can remain separate from the logo. Keep it simple.

Here are some sample logos Prairie Magic Design has created for local businesses:

IT Solutions Pro

Wichita Stamp & Seal, Inc.

There is so much involved in a total overhaul of your brand, but usually the logo is one of the first places to start. Hopefully this blog will provide some basics when looking at new options for a redesigned logo.

About Prairie Magic Design

Boutique Design Agency At Your Service

We know we're lucky to have so much talent in the Wichita area! We also know you have several options when it comes to your design services, but if you're looking for that extra-special personalized approach, the kind of attention you expect to receive for additional money, you'll get that attention — minus the higher price — from the gals at Prairie Magic Design.